A Chance to Stand: Aaiusha’s Story

In October 2025, 16 Australians travelled to Nepal with E3 Global Adventures as part of a Travel with Purpose journey. Their community projects, organised by REACH for Nepal Foundation, included building goat sheds for four families in Dhital Village and supporting infrastructure improvements at Shree Indreni Basic School.

But during their time at the school, something happened that no one had planned for.

They met Aaiusha.

A doctor travelling with the group noticed that Aaiusha was having difficulty with her legs. After reviewing her scans, there was concern that without further investigation and treatment, her mobility could deteriorate significantly. For Aaiusha’s parents, this was not new information.

They had already sought medical advice in Pokhara and had been told that their daughter needed specialist assessment at a larger hospital somewhere in India.

For the family, however, travelling abroad for treatment felt beyond their reach. With limited options, they had begun to lose hope.

A journey that continued after the trip

When the E3 group returned to Australia, Aaiusha’s story stayed with them. Through Nic and Pam, members of the group began raising funds to help cover the cost of taking her to India for further assessment and treatment. In Pokhara, REACH for Nepal Director Shiva met with Aaiusha’s parents and representatives of the local Village Management Committee to discuss how the Foundation could help coordinate the next steps.

Not long afterwards, Aaiusha and her father travelled to Delhi for her first specialist hospital visit. It was the beginning of a journey that her family had once thought might never be possible.

A different Aaiusha

Since that first visit, Aaiusha has continued receiving specialist care in Delhi.

The progress has been encouraging. A girl who previously struggled to sit independently can now sit freely and stand. Those around her see a child who is smiling more and becoming noticeably more confident.

Her father has also seen one change that means a great deal to the family. Before treatment, Aaiusha would often struggle with pain at night. Today, he says, she is able to sleep through the night.

As she prepares for her third visit to Delhi, her treatment journey continues. There are still appointments ahead and more progress to be made. But there is now something her family had been struggling to hold onto before. Hope.

The unexpected impact of one journey

The E3 volunteers came to Nepal intending to make a practical contribution. They helped four families establish a potential source of sustainable income through goat farming. They worked alongside a local school and community.

Yet one of the most lasting outcomes of their visit began simply because someone noticed a young girl who needed help — and a group of people decided to do something about it.

Today, Aaiusha is sitting, standing, smiling and growing in confidence. To the E3 volunteers, Nic, Pam and everyone who has supported her journey: thank you.

Aaiusha’s story is still being written, but because people chose to act, her future looks considerably brighter.

REACH for Nepal Foundation, Dhital, Pokhara